A NEW Kennel Club initiative

A NEW Kennel Club initiative will put judges firmly in the forefront of ensuring that pedigree show dogs are fit and healthy – and that breeds are developing free from exaggeration.
The new initiative is Breed Watch – a section of the KC’s website which is seen as the latest development in the club’s Fit For Function: Fit For Life campaign.
The move is aimed at ensuring ‘that pedigree dogs are free from any exaggerations which might cause them to have difficulty in walking, seeing or breathing freely.’
The Breed Watch area on the KC’s website which will be kept up to date regarding ‘any undesirable trends or exaggerations which may be emerging in particular breeds.’
It is aimed particularly at judges.

Co-ordinators

The KC has emailed the health co-ordinators of each breed giving them details of how the initiative will work and any proposed inclusions to do with their breed.
The co-ordinators will talk to the secretaries of their breed clubs and pass any comments to the KC.
“We would like to remind breed clubs that they are responsible for nominating a co-ordinator and we would rather not select an individual on their behalf,” said a KC spokesman.
“Once a nominee is selected, these breeds will be able to participate in the Breed Watch initiative.”
The introductory text on the Breed Watch will state:
“The decisions made by judges in the show ring strongly influence future breeding plans;
• Judges must take conformation-related health problems and temperament into account when making their decisions as well as breed type.
• All show dogs should be Fit for Function: Fit for Life.
• Judges should never award prizes to dogs who are visibly suffering from any condition which would adversely affect their health or welfare. For example, obvious breathing difficulty; significantly over or underweight dogs; lameness, including hopping; a discharge from one or both eyes or any signs of discomfort in either eye; obvious skin or ear irritation; inappropriate temperament – refusal to be handled, timidity or aggression; exaggerations which would make the dog unsuited to the breed’s original purpose.
• A judge is expected to make such decisions based on their extensive experience of dogs as owners and breeders.
They are not expected to display the knowledge of a vet and should not undertake any extra examination of a dog other than that which they would normally perform in assessing general fitness and breed type.’
The site will also state, ‘Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed Standard. The features listed are derived from health surveys, a meeting of KC group judges in February, judges’ feedback, and consultation with individual breed clubs/councils.’
The KC spokesman said: “The site will carry a description of any breed-specific points of concern which have been received by us.
“This information will be frequently updated, ensuring that the Breed Watch pages serve as a record of any concerns of which breed judges should be aware.”